Does tofu go bad? How to tell, store and extend its shelf life

The article explains that the “use by” or “best by” date on packages of tofu indicates the best quality of the food, not its safety. Tofu should always be refrigerated when packaged and ideally used by the date on the package. However, it can still be cooked and eaten after this date. Tofu can also be frozen by draining excess water and wrapping it well before placing it in the freezer.

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Does Soy Sauce Go Bad? Tips for Safe Storage

– Soy sauce is a fermented food that can be left at room temperature without spoiling.
– Unopened soy sauce can last up to two or three years.
– An opened bottle of soy sauce can be left out of the refrigerator for up to one year.
– Storing soy sauce away from heat and direct sunlight in a cool, dark cabinet is recommended.
– Other condiments like hot sauce, honey, peanut butter, and olive oil can also be stored at room temperature.

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Does jelly go bad? Shelf life and storage tips

– Shelf life of opened grape jelly can be maximized by keeping it refrigerated and tightly covered.
– Opened grape jelly can stay at best quality for about 1 year when continuously refrigerated.
– The expiration date on the jar is not a safety date, but an estimate of how long the jelly will remain at peak quality.
– After the best quality period, the texture, color, or flavor of the jelly may change, but it will still be safe to consume if stored properly and there are no signs of spoilage.
– If the grape jelly develops an off odor, flavor, appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
– Spoiled jelly may have a darker color, off texture, strange taste, mold growth, or if the expiration date has passed.
– Signs of spoiled jelly to look out for include separation, off-color, off odor, strange taste, and visible mold.
– Even if the expiration date has not passed, the quality and flavor of the jelly may have diminished.
– The smell of fresh jelly is sweet and fruity, so if it smells off-putting or sour, it should be discarded.
– Spoiled jelly may also have changes in texture, such as becoming runny, excessively thick, lumpy, or grainy.
– Once opened, jelly should be consumed within 6 months to a year.
– Unopened jelly can last up to a year past its expiration date.
– Homemade jelly can last for 6 to 12 months when stored in the refrigerator.
– Sugar-free jelly can last 6 to 9 months in the fridge, while low sugar jelly can last 8 to 9 months.
– Jelly can be frozen to extend its shelf life for over 12 months, but it may lose some texture and flavor quality.
– Eating expired jelly can potentially lead to an upset stomach or food poisoning, so it is best to avoid it.
– Frozen jelly should be stored in an airtight container with some headspace for expansion.
– Consuming spoiled jelly can lead to foodborne illnesses caused by harmful bacteria or mold.

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Do Oats Go Bad? Shelf Life, Storage Tips

– Oatmeal is a nutritious and versatile whole grain.
– Shelf life of oatmeal can vary depending on processing, cooking, added ingredients, and storing method.
– Commercially processed and uncooked rolled, quick, or steel cut oats can last 12 months to 2 years if unopened or stored in an air-tight container.
– Unstabilized oats have a shelf life of 3-4 months.
– Oatmeal with added ingredients can last 4 months to 1 year depending on type and storage.
– Previously cooked oatmeal should be discarded after 3-4 days, but can be frozen for up to 3 months.
– Uncooked oatmeal is unlikely to spoil in a way that makes you sick, but it may become stale or develop unpalatable flavors.
– Mold growth indicates spoilage and should be discarded.
– The color, texture, and scent should be inspected to determine if oatmeal is still good.
– Instant oatmeal lasts 1-2 years, flavored oatmeal lasts 6-9 months, steel cut oats last 2 years, rolled oats last 1-2 years, and prepared oatmeal lasts 3-5 days.
– Oatmeal should be stored in cool, dry environments with steady temperatures and in airtight containers to minimize exposure to oxygen.
– Expired oatmeal can be repurposed for skincare or used as a natural deodorizer for pets.

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How Long Does Feta Cheese Last, and Storage Tips

– Feta cheese can last up to two weeks after it has been opened, if stored properly in the refrigerator and tightly wrapped to prevent drying.
– Feta cheese can last for two to three weeks in the fridge, but if stored in brine, it can last up to six months.
– Once opened, feta cheese should be consumed within five days.
– Feta cheese does not need to be refrigerated and can be left at room temperature to enhance the flavor, but only for up to two hours. After that, it should be refrigerated.
– Signs that feta cheese has gone bad include changes in color, texture, and odor.
– Keep it submerged in brine or create your own brine solution (1 cup of water mixed with 1 tablespoon of salt).
– Store it in the fridge, wrapped in wax paper or parchment paper to prevent drying out.
– Store it in an airtight container.
– Sealed feta cheese will eventually go bad, usually after 3-4 weeks.
– Feta cheese will last for about two weeks after expiration if stored in the fridge.
– Frozen feta cheese can be stored for up to six months.
– Thaw frozen feta cheese overnight in the fridge before using.
– An unopened package of feta cheese in brine can last for about 3 months in the refrigerator.
– Feta cheese in brine should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
– Opened feta cheese in brine can be frozen to extend its shelf life.
– Frozen feta cheese will maintain best quality for about 6 months.
– Feta cheese that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will remain safe indefinitely.
– If feta cheese develops an off odor, flavor, or appearance, it should be discarded.
– If mold appears, all of the feta cheese in brine should be discarded.

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Does food coloring expire? All you need to know

– Food coloring does not expire if properly stored
– Liquid food coloring can last indefinitely if sealed tightly after each use
– Gel food coloring can harden or dry out if not stored properly
– Adding hot water may revive dried or hardened food coloring, but if color has changed, throw it away
– Liquid gel food coloring can expire if it dries out, hardens, or shows signs of contamination or mold
– Powdered food coloring can last indefinitely if stored properly and kept safe from contamination and mold
– Paste-based food coloring may dry out or change color with age
– Homemade food coloring made from natural ingredients lasts about 2 weeks in the fridge
– Store food coloring properly after each use to ensure longevity
– Moldy food coloring should be thrown away
– Liquid food coloring is best for small-batch baking and cooking, while paste or gel food coloring is more intense and suitable for larger batches
– Powdered food coloring is ideal for items that need to stay dry
– Following proper storage steps will ensure food coloring lasts long-term
– Food coloring does not become unsafe to consume, but it can lose intensity and quality over time
– Store food coloring in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
– Food coloring is an artificial color added to food and drinks to enhance appearance and natural color
– Shelf life of food coloring is almost indefinite, as it does not contain raw ingredients that can go bad
– Food coloring bottles may have expiration dates for labeling purposes, but the product can still be used after the date
– Improperly sealed food coloring may go bad due to dust and contaminants
– Changes in color and consistency can indicate that food coloring has gone bad
– Adding hot water and shaking the bottle can help restore liquid food coloring
– Homemade food coloring from natural products may have a shorter shelf life of up to 6 weeks when refrigerated
– Store-bought food coloring does not expire and can last for an extended period if stored correctly
– Properly seal food coloring in airtight containers in a cool, dark place like a pantry or fridge.

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Does Vanilla Extract Go Bad? How to Properly Store and Extend Shelf Life

– Vanilla extract lasts a long time and is unlikely to go bad.
– Both pure and artificial vanilla extracts can be stored in a cool and dark place, away from heat sources.
– It is not recommended to refrigerate or freeze the extract.
– Pure vanilla extract has an indefinite shelf life and may have a slightly more intense flavor after a few years.
– Imitation vanilla extract has a shorter shelf life and its quality will degrade over time.
– The best-by date on the label is a good indicator of its quality.
– Imitation vanilla extract can last for up to 6-12 months after the best-by date, but the taste will worsen over time.
– Vanilla extract should be kept sealed tightly to prevent it from going bad.
– If the extract smells off or has growth on the inside of the cap, it should be thrown away.
– Pure vanilla extract is made with vanilla beans and is brown in color.
– The primary flavor compound in pure extract is vanillin.
– Imitation vanilla extract only contains vanillin and is a synthetic substance made in a lab.
– Vanilla beans are expensive, leading to the creation of synthetic vanilla for a cheaper alternative.
– Most people opt for the less expensive imitation vanilla extract because it still works well in desserts.

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Does Epsom Salt Expire? The Ultimate Guide

– Greenway Biotech, Inc. Epsom Salt does not produce bath bubbles in water.
– Epsom Salt is primarily used as a muscle relaxer for a relaxing and smooth feeling after a bath.
– Using Epsom Salt in a bathtub will not clog the drains due to its smaller grain size.
– 1 cup of Epsom Salt is recommended for a sitz bath.
– Greenway Biotech Epsom Salt is made in the USA but imported from Germany in bulk.
– Epsom Salt does not expire but may become hard and clumpy over time.
– When using Epsom Salt in a garden, the amount applied depends on the amount of calcium already in the soil, with a ratio of 3 parts calcium to 1 part magnesium.

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How long does Parmesan cheese last and why?

– An opened chunk of Parmesan cheese will last for 4 to 6 weeks in the refrigerator.
– It is safe to eat an opened chunk of Parmesan cheese after the “sell by” or “best by” date.
– If there is mold on a chunk of Parmesan cheese, it can be cut away and the rest can be consumed.
– Parmesan cheese can be frozen for 12 to 18 months and will remain safe beyond that time.
– Thawed Parmesan cheese should be used within 3 to 4 days if defrosted in the fridge, or immediately if defrosted in the microwave or cold water.
– Spoiled Parmesan cheese will have a hard texture, dark color, strong smell, and may develop mold.

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